Kiva – Loans that change lives!

Charitable Organisations

One thing I’m looking to create on this website is the Resources section which will include, among many companies, the charities and/or organisations that I personally support… and yes, that does mean with a regular financial contribution. Each one has an ethos that I absolutely admire… contributing to society with effects that ripple out and touch others’ lives across the world, not just for today… but for generations to come.

Each one also epitomises the ethic that I have as my byline… helping others to help themselves.

The first one I’m blogging about is Kiva.

So what’s it about? Kiva is basically a non-profit organisation that, through the use of the internet worldwide, gets everyday people like you and I, to club together and each lend a very small sum of money to people or groups across the world in third-world countries. As is stated on their website:

“We envision a world where all people
– even in the most remote areas of the globe
– hold the power to create opportunity
for themselves and others.”

I say lend because the money is repaid to you. Yes, there is a risk of default. Yes this happened to me ONCE. I’ve been a member since October 2007 and have made 17 loans so far. So considering those stats, once isn’t bad at all, especially when you consider how volatile some of these countries are. And of course, once that money has been repaid to you, you can re-lend it to someone else. It’s not just individuals either, there are also groups which get together, who commit to paying back whatever they borrow as a team, so if one person gets into difficulty, they all step in and help out.

So why do I do it?

Because I can. Because I have choice in my life. Because at the end of the day I believe in walking my talk, not just talking it.

I believe that if we are in a position to help others without detriment to ourselves, then not only do we have the opportunity before us that will help us to grow, learn and evolve, but that morally, we should. Not by saying the right things, not by putting a plaster over a wound, but instead by choosing to be part of something that empowers people, that allows them to make choices for themselves, that yes, they have to work for and will take the responsibility for of their choices and actions. To actively help to bring about positive change in others’ lives. This of course is my personal belief, what anyone else thinks and eventually acts on, is down to their own choices, beliefs and ultimately, their responsibility.

No, I may not know what actually happens in someone’s life as a result of my actions in “contributing”, no I won’t get (or expect) any kudos for this… but since everything we do, think about and respond to, ripples out and affects others’ lives, isn’t it good to know that you’re actually a part of something bigger than yourself, that you are doing something and that that may bring survival, hope, joy, happiness or even just a roof over someone’s head… and for that, $25.00 is a very small price to pay!

What’s stopping you from helping another?

Kiva’s website can be found by clicking here. If you are already a member, please do share with us your thoughts on the organisation, and if you choose to join, let us know why 🙂